Credit

Caption

Pharmaceutical researcher using a microscope to monitor the release rate from a drug capsule. The drug capsule is seen on the screen at centre left (blue). A hole has been drilled in the outer covering using a laser. The computer (lower right) is recording results from a machine that is testing the rate at which the drug dissolves. Slow release drugs can be used to spread the effect of a drug over time. This experiment will determine how long the effects of the drug will last. Most slow release drugs are embedded in a polymer that slowly dissolves and gradually releases the drug.